Q&A for How to Become an NFL Referee

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  • Question
    What kind of education do I need?
    Community Answer
    You need to know the rule book, along with the hand signals, but there is no formal education needed to become a referee.
  • Question
    Do I have to have a college degree to become an NFL referee?
    Community Answer
    You need to know the rulebook, along with the hand signals, but there is no formal education needed to become a referee.
  • Question
    Do I need a high school diploma or a GED to become a referee?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    There are no education requirements.
  • Question
    How much time does it take to be an NFL referee?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Approximately ten years of the appropriate experience, consisting of officiating upper-level college and/or minor-league professional or semi-pro football.
  • Question
    Do referees have other jobs?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes, typically officials hold full-time jobs.
  • Question
    How old do I have to be to become an NFL referee?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    There are no age requirements, just experience requirements. See Part 2, Steps 3 and 4 above.
  • Question
    How many female referees are there in the NFL?
    Community Answer
    Sarah Thomas is the first and currently only.
  • Question
    What is the average age of NFL officials?
    Community Answer
    The average age of an NFL official is 51 years old, and they earn between $4,000 and $10,000 a game.
  • Question
    Can I become an NFL referee at 30?
    Community Answer
    You can become an NFL referee at any age as long as you meet the requirements.
  • Question
    How much college experience is required?
    Community Answer
    As far as being a student? It isn't a necessity to have any at all. You'll need to study the rule book and the hand signals. As far as officiating, it says you'll need at least 5 years of experience on the collegiate or minor league level.
  • Question
    What age would you recommend to start my refereeing career?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Start in high school by refereeing little kids' games.
  • Question
    Is there a program or test in Oregon to start referring local games and become certified or qualified?
    Donagan
    Top Answerer
    Yes. Contact the Oregon School Activities Association at osaa.org/officials.
  • Question
    Do I need to have good vision to become a NFL referee?
    Community Answer
    Yes! You must be able to see the ball and players at all times! You must be able to see well so you don’t miss anything.
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